Get shot of it

Nothing is so vile as a 150 per cent genoa with a low-cut clew when it’s reefed well in. These sails are designed for Mediterranean boats which habitually sail in light airs, but in the higher latitudes of home waters, we spend much of our time under short canvas. A 110 percent sail will stand without a reef in breezes that would beggar a partly-rolled ‘big boy’. So long as it’s well cut, it will deliver a surprising amount of power in force two as well. Next time you’re walking the long, lonesome road to the sailmaker’s, consider ordering a sail appropriate to local needs.